As part of an official visit to China, Minister of Trade and Integration Arman Shakkaliyev participated in the "Export to China - SCO Selection" forum, which became one of the key platforms for promoting Kazakh exports to the Chinese market.

Opening the forum, the Minister emphasized that Kazakhstan views China as a strategic partner and consistently develops cooperation in trade, investment, and industrial cooperation.

"Under the leadership of our heads of state, Kazakh-Chinese relations have reached the level of an eternal comprehensive strategic partnership, demonstrating steady growth in trade turnover, expansion of investment cooperation, and deepening of industrial cooperation. Today, China is Kazakhstan's largest trading partner, and Kazakhstan, in turn, remains a reliable supplier of energy resources, agricultural products, and raw materials for the Chinese economy.

Over the past three years, bilateral trade turnover has shown steady and dynamic growth. From $41 billion in 2023 to $48.7 billion in 2025.

"Behind these impressive figures lies the high complementarity of the two countries' economies, the pragmatic work of enterprises, as well as significant support from such developed regions of China as Shandong Province," noted Minister Arman Shakkaliyev.

"The 'Export to China' platform creates effective conditions for direct business interaction and access to the market of Shandong Province and China as a whole," he noted.  

Also, the Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan held meetings with the leadership of Shandong Province, Deputy Governor Wen Nuan and Mayor of Qingdao City Ren Gang.

During the negotiations, the parties discussed key areas for the development of trade, economic, and investment cooperation, including industrial cooperation, logistics, and the introduction of modern technologies.

As the Minister noted, "Kazakh-Chinese cooperation today is at an unprecedentedly high level and demonstrates steady positive dynamics." According to him, "it is important not only to increase trade volumes but also to ensure its qualitative transformation — with a focus on high value-added products and the development of processing."

Special attention was paid to the implementation of joint investment projects. Kazakhstan confirmed its readiness to create joint productions using advanced and environmentally friendly technologies.

"It is fundamentally important for us that new productions comply with high international environmental standards and contribute to sustainable development," the minister emphasized.

The parties also noted the importance of interregional cooperation. Shandong Province is one of China's leading industrial and trade centers and an important partner of Kazakhstan.

By the end of 2025, trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Shandong Province reached $2.2 billion US dollars, demonstrating high growth. The Minister expressed confidence that "the intensification of interregional interaction will give additional impetus to the development of the entire complex of Kazakh-Chinese partnership."  

As part of the event, the Minister also visited the national pavilion of Kazakhstan, which showcased products from domestic manufacturers. The exhibition demonstrated the country's export potential and the readiness of Kazakh companies to expand their presence in the Chinese market. The Minister also emphasized the practical focus of the event, noting that "the format of direct dialogue and B2B meetings will allow moving to specific agreements and launching joint projects in the shortest possible time."

During the forum, Kazakhstan's opportunities for increasing non-resource exports, developing e-commerce, and forming sustainable value chains were presented.

In conclusion, the Minister emphasized that Kazakhstan aims to further deepen cooperation with China: "We view China as a key and priority partner and are confident that through joint efforts we can bring our interaction to a qualitatively new level."

The Minister also visited the production facilities of Haier in Qingdao City — one of the world leaders in household appliances and "smart home" digital solutions.

Furthermore, meetings were held with the leadership of leading companies in Shandong Province — Qingdao Dadu Grain Co., Ltd. and RuiXue Global Co., Ltd., during which prospects for the development of investment cooperation, expansion of agricultural product supplies, and implementation of joint projects were discussed, including the creation of modern productions and the introduction of advanced agricultural technologies in Kazakhstan.  

It is worth noting separately that already on the first day of the forum, Kazakh companies achieved practical results: agreements were signed with Chinese partners for the supply of products worth about $125 million US dollars, including feed meal, oilseeds, and other agricultural products.

This result is a significant indicator of the platform's effectiveness and demonstrates the high interest of Chinese businesses in Kazakh exports even at the initial stage of the forum.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1191453?lang=kk